Zimbardo's research: Flashcards
Aim:
To investigate if behaviour in prisons is due to the roles people play, and whether people will conform to a social role
American prison riots:
Did they have sadistic personalities or was it their social role, as a prison guard, that created their behaviour?
Location:
Basement of Stanford University psychology building into mock prison
Participants:
21 male student volunteers
How were participants chosen?
Advertised asking for volunteers to participate in a study of the psychological effects of prison life for 15$ per week
How were participants deemed psychologically healthy?
Diagnostic tests to eliminate candidates with psychological problems, medical disabilities, or a history of crime or drug abuse.
How were participants allocated?
Randomly, either prisoner or guard
How long was the study meant to last for?
2 weeks
How long did the study actually last for?
6 days
Prisoner uniform:
Smock
ID number sewn on front and back
Stocking cap
Heavy chain round their right ankle
Guards uniform:
Khaki uniform
Wooden club
Handcuffs
Mirror shades
What were guards instructed to do?
whatever they; thought was necessary to maintain law and order in the prison and to command the respect of the prisoners.
Whatever they want
They thought was necessary to maintain law and order in the prison and to command the respect of the prisoners
What did uniforms create a loss of?
Identity/de-individuation
What did uniforms make the participants do?
More likely to conform to the perceived role